Compartmentalized storage container

Abstract

A storage assembly for a vehicle includes an open bed defined by opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a rear tailgate. The storage assembly also includes a tonneau cover that covers at least a portion of the open bed. The tonneau cover is movable between open and closed positions to provide selective access to the open bed. A plurality of brackets extends between the opposing sidewalls, the front wall and the rear tailgate. A storage bin is removably securable to the plurality of brackets. The storage bin creates a removable compartment within the open bed allowing items stored therein to be organized and removed as a group when desired.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A storage assembly for a vehicle having an open bed defined by opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a rear tailgate, said storage assembly comprising: 
       a tonneau cover for covering at least a portion of the open bed, said tonneau cover movable between an open position providing access thereunder and a closed position;  
       a plurality of brackets extending between the opposing sidewalls, the front wall and the rear tailgate of the open bed, each of said plurality of brackets including an L-shaped flange extending therealong; and  
       a storage bin including a support lip matingly engaging said L-shaped flanges of a portion of said plurality of brackets to provide support for said storage bin therealong wherein said storage bin is removably securable to said plurality of brackets for creating compartments within the open bed to organize items stored therein.  
     
     
       2. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein one of said plurality of brackets is adjustable allowing said storage bin to be replaced by another storage bin differing in size from said storage bin. 
     
     
       3. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 2  wherein a portion of said plurality of brackets includes positioning notches for providing positioning for another portion of said plurality of brackets. 
     
     
       4. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said tonneau cover pivots about a pivot axis to move between a closed position and an open position to provide access to said storage bin. 
     
     
       5. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said pivot axis is disposed adjacent and parallel one of said plurality of brackets. 
     
     
       6. A storage assembly for a vehicle having an open bed defined by opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a rear tailgate, said storage assembly comprising: 
       a tonneau cover for covering at least a portion of the open bed, said tonneau cover movable between an open position providing access thereunder and a closed position;  
       a plurality of brackets extending between the opposing sidewalls, the front wall and the rear tailgate of the open bed, each of said plurality of brackets including an L-shaped flange extending therealong and notches for positioning each of said plurality of brackets with respect to each other; and  
       a storage bin having a support lip matingly engaging said L-shaped flanges of a portion of said plurality of brackets to provide support therealong wherein, said storage bin is removably securable to said plurality of brackets for creating compartments within the open bed to organize items stored therein.  
     
     
       7. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein a portion of said plurality of brackets includes a tongue at each end thereof, said tongue receivable by said notches for abutting engagement therewith. 
     
     
       8. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 7  wherein one of said plurality of brackets movable with respect to other of said plurality of brackets is adjustable allowing said storage bin to be replaced by another storage bin differing in size from said storage bin. 
     
     
       9. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said tonneau cover pivots about a pivot axis to move between a closed position and an open position to provide access to said storage bin. 
     
     
       10. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said pivot axis is disposed adjacent and parallel one of said plurality of brackets. 
     
     
       11. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 10  including a plurality of storage bins wherein each of said storage bins defines a peripheral opening. 
     
     
       12. A storage assembly as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said peripheral openings are of unequal dimensions.